Rugged computers are used in industrial applications, such as the warehouse, to maximize process efficiencies and streamline communications. Not all rugged products are created equal, however, and there are a few key components that must be considered in selecting the right fit for your business.

Rugged computers must be designed to withstand abuse. In the warehouse, it must be durable enough to survive accidental drops to concrete floors, or exposure to spills, dust or extreme temperature.

Wireless connectivity allows for real-time tracking of the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing, to fulfilling orders, to retail store and customer delivery. When the finished product is delivered, that automatically generates replenishment requests for the same product. Thus, unlike consumer devices, the mobile technology integrated into rugged computers must be robust enough to overcome interferences within the warehouse. Continuous connectivity is essential, particularly in warehouses the size of multiple football fields. Strong mobile connection will enable real-time transmission and verification of each transaction, thus reducing lead-time and errors within the supply chain.

Similarly, a good rugged device should enable seamless integration between the various software used throughout the supply chain and ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, or a big data mainframe running on IBM. It must be able to automatically capture and transmit data from each transaction throughout the supply chain.

To minimize human errors, rugged solutions must be able to read and transmit product identifications via a barcode or an RFID tag. Product tracking is paramount in certain scenarios such as pharmaceutical medications or food supply to comply with various regulations and ensure transparency throughout the entire supply chain.

Winmate's line of rugged mobile computers undergo a battery of tests to ensure compliance, and are built to withstand the harshest environments while ensuring uninterrupted communication and process management.